chapter 1 government in america. “there has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are...
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Chapter 1
Government in America
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“There has never been, nor ever will be, a
people who are politically ignorant
and free.”-- T. Jefferson
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Political Knowledge
• Fosters civic virtues (e.g. political tolerance)• Helps ID beneficial policies and affects voting• Promotes participation
> Young people score less than ½ on political knowledge test as those 65+
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Why are young people so deficient?
• Perception/reality of little policy impact• Changes in media > multiplicity and
narrowcasting• Diminished cultural interest contributes to
lack of political culture• Busier
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“Government”• Institutions that make decisions
“HOW should we govern?”
“WHAT should government do?”
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Functions of Government•Maintain defense•Provide services•Preserve order•Socialize the young•Collect taxes
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“Politics”
• Process whereby we select leaders & policies• Political Participation: activities to influence
leaders and policies– Voting is most common method• Single-Issue Groups
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Policymaking System
• How policy is made• How does gov’t. know the interests and
priorities of people? Linkage Institutions
(parties, elections, Interest Groups, media, activities/demonstrations, etc.)
POLICY AGENDA: priorities of gov’t. action(s)
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“Democracy”
• Government that represents & responds to public’s preferences
• Democratic Process:– Equality in voting– Effective participation– Free Speech & Press– Collective control of agenda– Inclusion
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Majority Rule (policies should reflect will of majority)
vs.
Minority Rights
(restraints on the majority via rights of minorities)
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Who Really Governs?
• Pluralism: competing interest groups set agenda and policy
• Elitism: small upper-class holds power and makes policy
• Hyperpluralism: strong competing groups cripple efficient governmental policy
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Challenges to Democracy
• Complex Issues• Limited participation• Escalating costs of campaigns• Diverse interests– “Policy Gridlock”
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Political Culture
• How is the U.S. a ‘Nation’?– Shared beliefs and valuesLiberty, Equality, Individualism,
Laissez-Faire, & Populism
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Scope of American Government
U.S. governments spend ~1/3 of GDP (nearly $4 trillion)
Employ ~24 million people (~8% of population)
Differing opinions on the scope of government is a source of continuing controversy